golf

Penny Tackles… Golf Misconceptions

Thought Golf was all about middle aged men in funny sweaters and PlusFour trousers? Think again – here are some busted misconceptions about the game and some little-known facts about the sport…

You burn a surprising number of calories when playing a round of golf at Stoke by Nayland… 1000 calories!

You’ll also walk about 10,000 steps – about 4-5 miles, so get that FitBit out.

It’s a game for the whole family and one of the few games the whole family can play together regardless of age, fitness, background or experience. The unique handicapping system means family members of different abilities can play together either socially or competitively.

So, it’s the perfect opportunity to spend some quality time together and share a common interest.

Learn some new skills – Golf helps develop lifelong skills beyond simply wacking a ball into the hole. Life skills such as respecting others, leadership, listening and commitment. And nothing helps keep your brain healthy like learning a new skill.

You don’t have to dedicate 4 or 5 hours to the game. You can choose 18-holes or 9-holes, so play half a round of golf AND there are also many different formats to keep everyone interested.

Golf doesn’t have to be expensive. A beginners course starts from £25 for a four weeks course at Stoke by Nayland. All sessions are taken by a PGA professional. Equipment is provided so just book and turn up on the day in comfortable clothing.

Golf really does tick all the boxes for things you need for optimal wellbeing,” says psychologist and coach Miriam Akhtar from positive psychology training. “Being outside in nature is good for your mental health and combining that with the exercise you get from playing the sport – and the social element of golf – boosts your brain’s natural feel good chemicals,” says Miriam. So when you’ve been stuck indoors all day, in the office, feeling your stress levels go through the roof, wacking a few balls, imaging that golf ball is your boss, has got to be good for your soul.

Playing golf with its brisk walking and swinging action can help build strong bones and help guard against osteoporosis, a condition that makes bones more fragile and more likely to break.

Want to find out a bit more about getting into golf? The Stoke by Nayland Golf Club are having an Open Weekend.

About Penny…

With an ever-growing passion for fitness, Penny is our resident guest blogger. When she’s not juggling her busy lifestyle you’ll find her with her selfie stick!